350 FROM THE NIGER TO THE NILE 



of the carriers seated on the ground, and beyond the zareba 

 of thorn the blue night over the shadowy plain, I doubt 

 not the scene was more like the first Christmas of all on 

 the night of the wonderful star, when Gabriel came to the 

 shepherds and bade them be first on the road which led kings 

 to Bethlehem. 



Next day the camp was busied with the stir of Talbot's 

 and Gosling's departure. With them went the soldiers and 

 about forty carriers, who carried the boxes of heads and 

 skins and survey instruments that we were sending back 

 under Talbot's charge to England. Gosling accompanied 

 him as far as Kukawa. Thence Talbot journeyed alone to 

 Maifoni, where he picked up the rest of his things, including 

 his splendid collection of curios. Thence he went by the 

 Yola road to Ibi, where he procured three canoes for his 

 journey to Lokoja. The Yola road was dangerous at this 

 time, owing to hostile natives, so I applied to the Government 

 asking that an escort might be granted him, but this was 

 refused. As the other way round by Gujba and Bauchi 

 meant the loss of more than a month to the map, which it 

 was most important to publish as soon as possible, Talbot 

 took the risk and got through, fortunately with no mishap. 

 His departure meant a great loss to the Expedition, for he 

 was a tireless worker and set about and overcame his tasks 

 with the greatest accuracy. Not only as a worker but as a 

 companion. Gosling and I missed him very much, so when 

 the evening of his and Gosling's departure saw me having 

 my meal alone, it may be imagined I did not find myself 

 very good company. 



From Kukawa Gosling went by way of Kowa to the 



